Soft Power & Events Officer

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Job Category

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)

Job Subcategory

Chancery

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Main purpose of the job

The British Embassy in Dakar is looking for a bilingual, dynamic and proactive individual to join our Political and Communications team as a Soft Power & Events Officer.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing events for the embassy (including the annual King’s Birthday Party – the embassy’s signature event) and running our Chevening scholarship programme for Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. The job holder will play a key role promoting UK soft power by leading on Embassy events and supporting communications. There will be an opportunity to lead on cultural issues at the embassy, liaising with the British Council team.

The Political & Communications team sits at the heart of the embassy’s work and the jobholder will need to build a good understanding of UK-Senegal relations, working closely with the Ambassador and a wide range of colleagues to deliver UK objectives. This is a fast-paced role, and you will need to be able to work responsively across several issues simultaneously, with strong organisation skills and attention to detail.

You will need to be able to work independently, come up with creative suggestions, and be a proactive problem solver. We are looking for a responsible professional who can also work well in a team, including with the embassy’s external partners. The right candidate will need to demonstrate a commitment to working collaboratively, transparently and accountably with colleagues.

The British Embassy Dakar’s core objectives in Senegal are centred around three main areas: shared prosperity, mutual security, and sustainable development. As the UK-Senegal relationship has deepened substantially in recent years, you will be joining at an exciting time for the Embassy with an expanding portfolio and activities. As a member of the Political & Communication team, you can expect to help deliver UK priorities on economic growth, security, climate and development.

In return, you will be in a key role for the embassy and learn through hands-on experience and on the job training. This is a chance to work in a truly international environment, take ownership of a wide range of projects and learn about core diplomatic practice and policies. There will also be opportunities to cover for other corporate roles in the embassy.

Roles and responsibilities

Events & Visits (40%)

• You will take the lead on embassy events – creating, organising and delivering events working across the embassy’s key priorities.
• You will design and manage the annual National Day set piece event – the King’s Birthday Party – and use your creative skills to offer other ideas for events and engagement.
• You will use your organisational skills to lead co-ordination and logistics for embassy functions. This will include managing events within budget and seeking sponsorship, contact with suppliers, document management and data base management
• You’ll play a key role in supporting other HMA official events and visits and engagements, helping shape and deliver impactful programmes.

Chevening (30%)

• You will be the embassy lead on the UK’s flagship scholarship programme, leading marketing and promotion activities.
• You will manage the application process for Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, including organising and chairing Chevening interviews, as well as arranging pre-departure briefing events.
• You will use your interpersonal skills to manage relationships with Chevening partners and run the alumni network, as well as working to raise the profile of Chevening in Senegal and Guinea-Bissau.

Communications (20%)

• You will work closely with the Communications Officer on the embassy’s soft power goals and key events, helping to produce associated communications products.
• You will cover for the Communication officer and offer support on bigger set-piece projects and campaigns.

Cultural Affairs/Soft Power (10%)

You will be the embassy lead on cultural projects and liaison with the British Council, building a network of influential stakeholders to enhance cultural co-operation and UK soft power in Senegal.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure)

• You will be responsible for managing entertainment budgets
• Essential qualifications, skills and experience
• University degree
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in both English and French
• Experience in events organisation and marketing/communications
• Ability to propose creative ideas
• Strong organisational skills, including ability to lead multiple tasks and deliver to tight deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and team-working skills and the ability to develop productive relationships with a range of teams and external stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and proactively find solutions to challenges
• Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
• Familiarity with UK culture
• Experience in designing visuals for social media and producing videos
• Experience in working in an international environment and/or international policy

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

• Application deadline: 18 April 2025
• Grade: Administrative Officer (AO)
• Type of Position: Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
• Working hours per week: 36.5 hours
• Salary: XOF 945 000 plus Transport allowance XOF 26 000
• Type of Salary: monthly

Additional information

Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.

The British Embassy will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.

Information about the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Competency Framework can be found on this link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework

Please note: Job grade AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5, G7= D6

All applicants must be legally able to work in Senegal with the correct visa/status or work permit.

The successful applicant will demonstrate that they meet the requirements under Senegal law to work in Senegal.

The British Embassy in Dakar is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Dakar is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Senegalese employment law.

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.